Well said! 'Course the current federal gov't seems hell bent on driving us all to the brink, one way or another. Makes me, and most sane folks, crazy.
Personal gripe: We'll be getting the $1200 back, but since our kids are college-aged, and despite our still supporting them, despite having to take out loans for their education, we will not see the extra $ for them. One of them MAY get a rebate, since he worked last year, but he got "dinged" already since FAFSA thinks he should put all his money towards college tuition, and NOT be recoginized for being responisble enough to get a job and allowed to use that money for personal expenses. UGH!
It's so frustrating because we owe this year, so we really won't be getting a check.
I'm a little confused by your blog though because we are in America, and this is what America is all about!
The government spends beyond its means and American's do the same.
Will this ever change? I doubt it, although some say in 10 or 15 years we'll be looking back and thinking "Wow, we had it good."
My sympathy to the guy who got robbed. I live in a bad area where it isn't that uncommon for this to happen occasionally. If you need to carry a large sum, keep $20 in your purse or pocket with your cards, and keep the wad of cash elsewhere on your person. My own experience has been that if I hand over my wallet or empty my pocket and they see an ATM card and some cash, they grab it and take off, and you don't get hurt. Call the cops, cancel the card while you wait. You still have your money, which you do not need to mention.
One day after work I foolishly took a new cold medicine. I used my emergency $20 getting a drink to take the pill with, shoved the change in my pocket, and ran for the bus, and got on with the wallet in my hand. Sat down, fell asleep, and woke as some disgusting little gangster grabbed my wallet and jumped out the back door of the bus. This nice guy started to chase him, but this was Phoenix and it was 115 degrees outside. I said let him go, since the kid was just hauling *** down the road in the heat -- with my Phoenix Public Library card and a few feminine hygiene products.
I hope he opened the wallet in front of his friends to show them what he scored.
Holding the door open for people at stores / restaurants is a good easy way to be kind too. People seem to especially like it if you see them coming to the store and hold the door open for them even though it means waiting an extra minute or two for them to actually get there.
A good friend of mine does that. In fact she has been able to make an extra $1,000 by JUST detailing certain cars. Of course she knows good deals when she sees them (some sellers don't really know what they have). She makes about 60k per year buying and selling used cars. Once you have a relationship "verbal friendship" with a bank employee, it is very easy to get routine bank letters for car auctions. Once title is passed and registered it is money in the bank. How cool is that?
Lots of dirty money gets passed around between used "Classic Car" private transactions and also used car auctions. Just deposit the cash amount in the bank and then get cashiers checks. Declare a set amount to the auction house via a bank letter. Of course it is up to the bank to accept large sums of cash (only up to $9999 needs not be reported to the IRS). Only $10,000 or more deposit in US Banks are reported. So in essence, you could deposit $9,999 every day. But then again, unless you are Forest Gump, both you and the bank will take quick note on such actions. I highly recommend this for drug dealers. Works very well. Just deposit ONLY $9,999 per day (works even better if you get really stoned first. That makes bank officials blind to you and they never see it coming.) Trust me, it works very well. Give it a try.
I was wondering if anyone knew how to make a Winstar 1200 dvd player region free. It's made by a Canadian company and can't find the codes/steps anywhere.
Totally, mark, I agree, and I think the purpose of Paul's post and to an extent this post is to holler at the people who know they're wrong. Heck I know several people who said they can't wait to get that new LCD screen or go to Vegas and granted it's the individual's perogative to do so but when these same individuals come to comprise the collective, it looks like we're in trouble. And unfortunately, people who need to be reading this are watching "The Hills,"
I have dream of having an apartment with furniure that is completely carryable by one rather small female (me). Still ... I don't know. No place for guests to even sit if you invited them over to such an apartment.
They're no floppier than most of the inexpensive bags. ;) The one exception I've seen (I know there are others like this out there, but usually more) a local grocery chain sell (Lowe's Food) that are made out of the same material as outdoor banners, in the size of a standard paper grocery bag, with web handles. I don't *think* they're recycled, unless their from the store's own promotional materials.
For those of us who already know how to handle our finances, you're preaching to the choir.
Otherwise for the rest of the population, I don't see America changing it's ways. In general, we Americans are a short-minded lot.
6 months out? What the hell is that? I'm looking forward to Friday (payday).
I can't wait to get my $600. I'll be heading straight to the casino and putting it all on black. Yes, I did well in probability class so I know that I have a 47.37% chance of turning my $600 into $1,200. Then, (if I win) I'll take the money and spend it all at some club with bottle service and surround myself with hot party chicks for a weekend of debauchery.
Forget that saving and paying down your debts crap! I say, George S. Clason can stuff it. Blow your $600 on something you want NOW. That's the American WAY! :)
I've been using these bags for a few months now, and they've held up well. The secret to getting past their non-stiffness is to prop the bags up in the plastic bag holders. :) Wal-Mart's extra long handles work well for this.
I'm glad to hear that Wal-Mart will be giving away bags. The "cost" of reusable bags is a turnoff in our area, where most people have to make every dollar count. (But who doesn't?) Hopefully we'll get a few more reusable bag fans in the town as a result of this giveaway!
Actually, Wal-Mart has been recycling the plastic bags since well before it started the recycling challenge in 2006, BEFORE most stores had a recycling program. In fact, in many areas, Wal-mart is still the only place to take plastic bags for recycling, and they don't care which stores bags are being returned. Their methods for recycling has been emulated by many of the other stores that take recycled bags because it is such an efficient process.
From what I understand, the reusable shopping bag they are offering has had mixed reviews. (Some have complained of them not being quite rigid enough.) It is cloth, but made from 85% recycled content and holds twice as much as the average plastic bag. Walmart will be taking the bags back at the end of their useful life for recycling of the bags. And yes, many other stores offer recycled and resuable bags.. here is Targets . It sells for $1.49 and 99 cents for two sizes. Most major whole foods stores have their own version, as well, so I'm not saying that Walmart is a leader in this one aspect. Just letting you know that the bags will be free for a special day.
As far as saying that the Plastic Bag challenge will actually encourage plastic bag use? That's like saying that any recycling program encourages waste: whether it be can programs, bottle programs, etc... I don't think we can assume that just because people don't like Wal-Mart.
One of the better reusable ones I've collected, in fact (though I've only had one of the 99 cent/$1 bags not be up to snuff and stand up to regular use), and it technically falls under "reuse" since it's made (partly, at least) from recycled PET.
The first thing I thought of is it sounds a lot like using your visa to pay of your amex and then using your amex to pay off your visa, etc. Sure, in the short term you're ok, but at some point a giant debt monster is still going to show up at your door. But, by the time he does, the debt will be that much bigger.
We had to pay taxes this year - grrrrr. So our check will just go to replace the tax money in savings. Otherwise, it would have gone to a vacation somewhere, or 1/2 to vacation and 1/2 to savings. I think it's important not to look at this as an all or nothing deal, come to think of it. I think some or all of it should be saved, but if you get $600, there's no rule that says you either have to save it or you have to spend it. So, take $100, do something fun, and put the remaining $500 in savings. Although, if you're serious debt, I'd say swing it all over to debt payment, you never really had it, you'll never miss it and you'll be super happy when those debts are paid off that much sooner.
Marsh Grocery stores did this a few months ago. Some also give you 5 cents off per bag if you reuse your regular plastic bags. This weeks Newsweek magazine has directions on how to hold and tape the cover into a pouch to fill with old bags then mail (for free) to Target to get free reusable bag which is made from the old bags people send.
Walmart appears to be behind the trend on this one.
I agree with much of the original post, except that I believe products like the Marpac Sound Conditioner CAN help. The National Sleep Foundation recommends creating a "sleep environment that is dark, quiet, comfortable and cool." Creating this type of environment can require some "tools" unless you live in a cave. The "tools" include sound conditioners, sleep masks, earplugs and blackout blinds. I've been using all four for 15+ years because I'm a light sleeper and sleep like crap otherwise. I've even started a blog on the topic at sleepynation.blogspot.com, as well as a store that sells these products at The Complete Sleeper. Sleep tight! Paul
Promoting recycling is great, but really, recycling is the last ditch effort to keep trash out of landfills and incinerators. First is reduce, then reuse (and kudos on the reusable bags, though not having seen them, I reserve judgment on just how reusable they are; a lot of "reusable" bags seem to be just heftier plastic bags that will still end up in the landfill relatively soon, and if they normally cost $1 I doubt they're all that great).
I have to wonder if providing cash incentives to bring in recyclable trash encourages people to consume more in the first place so they can generate more recyclable trash to bring in--especially with kids, and especially when there's a competitive angle to it.
I don't want to be too hard on them, because promoting the idea that recycling and reusing are important is a good thing, especially with kids, who will hopefully develop lifelong habits of doing both. I realize that promoting a reduction of consumption would be "bad for business," so in a way it's hard to blame them for not playing up that angle. It's just frustrating.
Listen bro i dont use air dusters for my laptop nor did i ever use it, and every science class i passed it either with a C or D (mostly D) so i need to know does this CO2 thing need to be 'liquid" or "gas"?
aahhaha down here they ask me a 'math question' saying 1+3 to confirm im not a hacker or something hehehe funny stuff. thanks for ur help in advance.
Well said! 'Course the current federal gov't seems hell bent on driving us all to the brink, one way or another. Makes me, and most sane folks, crazy.
Personal gripe: We'll be getting the $1200 back, but since our kids are college-aged, and despite our still supporting them, despite having to take out loans for their education, we will not see the extra $ for them. One of them MAY get a rebate, since he worked last year, but he got "dinged" already since FAFSA thinks he should put all his money towards college tuition, and NOT be recoginized for being responisble enough to get a job and allowed to use that money for personal expenses. UGH!
It's so frustrating because we owe this year, so we really won't be getting a check.
I'm a little confused by your blog though because we are in America, and this is what America is all about!
The government spends beyond its means and American's do the same.
Will this ever change? I doubt it, although some say in 10 or 15 years we'll be looking back and thinking "Wow, we had it good."
Again, a wonderful post. Many thanks.
Thank you - i couldn't have said it better, mebrudda.
My sympathy to the guy who got robbed. I live in a bad area where it isn't that uncommon for this to happen occasionally. If you need to carry a large sum, keep $20 in your purse or pocket with your cards, and keep the wad of cash elsewhere on your person. My own experience has been that if I hand over my wallet or empty my pocket and they see an ATM card and some cash, they grab it and take off, and you don't get hurt. Call the cops, cancel the card while you wait. You still have your money, which you do not need to mention.
One day after work I foolishly took a new cold medicine. I used my emergency $20 getting a drink to take the pill with, shoved the change in my pocket, and ran for the bus, and got on with the wallet in my hand. Sat down, fell asleep, and woke as some disgusting little gangster grabbed my wallet and jumped out the back door of the bus. This nice guy started to chase him, but this was Phoenix and it was 115 degrees outside. I said let him go, since the kid was just hauling *** down the road in the heat -- with my Phoenix Public Library card and a few feminine hygiene products.
I hope he opened the wallet in front of his friends to show them what he scored.
Holding the door open for people at stores / restaurants is a good easy way to be kind too. People seem to especially like it if you see them coming to the store and hold the door open for them even though it means waiting an extra minute or two for them to actually get there.
A good friend of mine does that. In fact she has been able to make an extra $1,000 by JUST detailing certain cars. Of course she knows good deals when she sees them (some sellers don't really know what they have). She makes about 60k per year buying and selling used cars. Once you have a relationship "verbal friendship" with a bank employee, it is very easy to get routine bank letters for car auctions. Once title is passed and registered it is money in the bank. How cool is that?
Lots of dirty money gets passed around between used "Classic Car" private transactions and also used car auctions. Just deposit the cash amount in the bank and then get cashiers checks. Declare a set amount to the auction house via a bank letter. Of course it is up to the bank to accept large sums of cash (only up to $9999 needs not be reported to the IRS). Only $10,000 or more deposit in US Banks are reported. So in essence, you could deposit $9,999 every day. But then again, unless you are Forest Gump, both you and the bank will take quick note on such actions. I highly recommend this for drug dealers. Works very well. Just deposit ONLY $9,999 per day (works even better if you get really stoned first. That makes bank officials blind to you and they never see it coming.) Trust me, it works very well. Give it a try.
Hey there,
I was wondering if anyone knew how to make a Winstar 1200 dvd player region free. It's made by a Canadian company and can't find the codes/steps anywhere.
Kristy
Totally, mark, I agree, and I think the purpose of Paul's post and to an extent this post is to holler at the people who know they're wrong. Heck I know several people who said they can't wait to get that new LCD screen or go to Vegas and granted it's the individual's perogative to do so but when these same individuals come to comprise the collective, it looks like we're in trouble. And unfortunately, people who need to be reading this are watching "The Hills,"
Jabulani Leffall
Monetary Gadfly, Common Currency
00000 Broke Blvd. Kitchenette #68 & 1/2
Lowcash, CA 90000-0000
I have dream of having an apartment with furniure that is completely carryable by one rather small female (me). Still ... I don't know. No place for guests to even sit if you invited them over to such an apartment.
They're no floppier than most of the inexpensive bags. ;) The one exception I've seen (I know there are others like this out there, but usually more) a local grocery chain sell (Lowe's Food) that are made out of the same material as outdoor banners, in the size of a standard paper grocery bag, with web handles. I don't *think* they're recycled, unless their from the store's own promotional materials.
For those of us who already know how to handle our finances, you're preaching to the choir.
Otherwise for the rest of the population, I don't see America changing it's ways. In general, we Americans are a short-minded lot.
6 months out? What the hell is that? I'm looking forward to Friday (payday).
I can't wait to get my $600. I'll be heading straight to the casino and putting it all on black. Yes, I did well in probability class so I know that I have a 47.37% chance of turning my $600 into $1,200. Then, (if I win) I'll take the money and spend it all at some club with bottle service and surround myself with hot party chicks for a weekend of debauchery.
Forget that saving and paying down your debts crap! I say, George S. Clason can stuff it. Blow your $600 on something you want NOW. That's the American WAY! :)
I've been using these bags for a few months now, and they've held up well. The secret to getting past their non-stiffness is to prop the bags up in the plastic bag holders. :) Wal-Mart's extra long handles work well for this.
I'm glad to hear that Wal-Mart will be giving away bags. The "cost" of reusable bags is a turnoff in our area, where most people have to make every dollar count. (But who doesn't?) Hopefully we'll get a few more reusable bag fans in the town as a result of this giveaway!
It's also an excellent and cheap alternative to specialist soils! There's a great article discussing various international brands of cat litter here:
http://www.bonsai4me.com/Basics/Basicscatlitter.htm
Actually, Wal-Mart has been recycling the plastic bags since well before it started the recycling challenge in 2006, BEFORE most stores had a recycling program. In fact, in many areas, Wal-mart is still the only place to take plastic bags for recycling, and they don't care which stores bags are being returned. Their methods for recycling has been emulated by many of the other stores that take recycled bags because it is such an efficient process.
From what I understand, the reusable shopping bag they are offering has had mixed reviews. (Some have complained of them not being quite rigid enough.) It is cloth, but made from 85% recycled content and holds twice as much as the average plastic bag. Walmart will be taking the bags back at the end of their useful life for recycling of the bags. And yes, many other stores offer recycled and resuable bags.. here is Targets . It sells for $1.49 and 99 cents for two sizes. Most major whole foods stores have their own version, as well, so I'm not saying that Walmart is a leader in this one aspect. Just letting you know that the bags will be free for a special day.
As far as saying that the Plastic Bag challenge will actually encourage plastic bag use? That's like saying that any recycling program encourages waste: whether it be can programs, bottle programs, etc... I don't think we can assume that just because people don't like Wal-Mart.
Thanks for the comments!
One of the better reusable ones I've collected, in fact (though I've only had one of the 99 cent/$1 bags not be up to snuff and stand up to regular use), and it technically falls under "reuse" since it's made (partly, at least) from recycled PET.
The first thing I thought of is it sounds a lot like using your visa to pay of your amex and then using your amex to pay off your visa, etc. Sure, in the short term you're ok, but at some point a giant debt monster is still going to show up at your door. But, by the time he does, the debt will be that much bigger.
We had to pay taxes this year - grrrrr. So our check will just go to replace the tax money in savings. Otherwise, it would have gone to a vacation somewhere, or 1/2 to vacation and 1/2 to savings. I think it's important not to look at this as an all or nothing deal, come to think of it. I think some or all of it should be saved, but if you get $600, there's no rule that says you either have to save it or you have to spend it. So, take $100, do something fun, and put the remaining $500 in savings. Although, if you're serious debt, I'd say swing it all over to debt payment, you never really had it, you'll never miss it and you'll be super happy when those debts are paid off that much sooner.
Marsh Grocery stores did this a few months ago. Some also give you 5 cents off per bag if you reuse your regular plastic bags. This weeks Newsweek magazine has directions on how to hold and tape the cover into a pouch to fill with old bags then mail (for free) to Target to get free reusable bag which is made from the old bags people send.
Walmart appears to be behind the trend on this one.
I agree with much of the original post, except that I believe products like the Marpac Sound Conditioner CAN help. The National Sleep Foundation recommends creating a "sleep environment that is dark, quiet, comfortable and cool." Creating this type of environment can require some "tools" unless you live in a cave. The "tools" include sound conditioners, sleep masks, earplugs and blackout blinds. I've been using all four for 15+ years because I'm a light sleeper and sleep like crap otherwise. I've even started a blog on the topic at sleepynation.blogspot.com, as well as a store that sells these products at The Complete Sleeper. Sleep tight! Paul
Promoting recycling is great, but really, recycling is the last ditch effort to keep trash out of landfills and incinerators. First is reduce, then reuse (and kudos on the reusable bags, though not having seen them, I reserve judgment on just how reusable they are; a lot of "reusable" bags seem to be just heftier plastic bags that will still end up in the landfill relatively soon, and if they normally cost $1 I doubt they're all that great).
I have to wonder if providing cash incentives to bring in recyclable trash encourages people to consume more in the first place so they can generate more recyclable trash to bring in--especially with kids, and especially when there's a competitive angle to it.
I don't want to be too hard on them, because promoting the idea that recycling and reusing are important is a good thing, especially with kids, who will hopefully develop lifelong habits of doing both. I realize that promoting a reduction of consumption would be "bad for business," so in a way it's hard to blame them for not playing up that angle. It's just frustrating.
Good question. Maybe some universals are now coded to control converter boxes.
Are there universal remotes that will control the converter box remotes when they break?
Listen bro i dont use air dusters for my laptop nor did i ever use it, and every science class i passed it either with a C or D (mostly D) so i need to know does this CO2 thing need to be 'liquid" or "gas"?
aahhaha down here they ask me a 'math question' saying 1+3 to confirm im not a hacker or something hehehe funny stuff. thanks for ur help in advance.
Ooh, thanks for posting this - I've been meaning to get a reusable bag and now I can get one free!